I got a new whip - what now?

[mr_alex]

Hey all!

I just got a new Magnoli Deluxe bullwhip, and I'm wondering what I should do to it before I try to get cracking. What are best practices for caring for a new whip?

From scrolling through topics, I'm seeing that apply a coat of Pecards is a good idea, and lots of people like shellac. So, is that it?

I'm assuming shellac goes on first - any recommendations on what kind? Or just... regular?

Anything else I'm missing?

[bearbeast]

Congrats on the new whip!

Normally shellac is already applied by whip makers, but I am not sure it is also done by Magnoli's. You can either ask him (he's on the forum as well) or you can tell by yourself: if the whip is shinier then leather is by itself, then it's coated already.

If it's not, then the shellac needs to be applied first. It is not mandatory, but it helps protect the whip from water and some damage.

If it is shellaced already... Then I would apply Pecard's to the fall before the first session.

The rule is you reduce the quantity of dressing as you progress towards the handle... Most goes on the fall, a bit less on the thong tip and then less and less.

Cheers,
Bear

[bearbeast]

Also, I forgot... we want piiicsss!

[IndianaJustin]

Not quite sure about the Magnoli whip, but usually you don't need to treat it right away. It's been conditioned to a degree when made, plaiting soap and all. Are you going to use it? Just be gentle at first, break it in. A whip shouldn't need a lot of effort to crack. Hope you enjoy!

[McFly]

Hmm... you shouldn't need to dress it or anything unless it dries out. The Pecards is just to keep it supple. IMHO, the best thing to do with a new whip is to go outside and use it! Here's a couple of offhand tips though, to help your whip last a long time:

- Only crack it on grass. Dirt and sand are bad for the leather, especially if they get in between the braids.
- Never crack it without a cracker on the end. The cracker will come off or fall apart eventually, and you should replace it. Having the cracker on the end protects the thin leather piece at the end (the fall) from taking the "damage" of the cracking.
- Don't "muscle" the whip, which is also bad for it. Loud cracks don't always mean good cracks - it's easy to swing it hard and make a loud noise, but if your form is good, you can crack it loudly without using much muscle at all (it also means you can play around with it longer before your shoulder / arms get tired). I recommend the DVDs by Anthony DeLongis, who I learned from. His method is pretty gentle on the whip.
- And lastly, wear ear protection! Trust me!